Laughable Video Exposes the Quirky Tradition of the Book of the Dead for Old People

Sophia Moonstone

Updated Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

Have you ever wondered what happens to your contact list when you're no longer around? Well, in a viral video that has taken the internet by storm, one elderly woman shares her unique method of keeping track of her departed friends and acquaintances. The video, titled "The Book of the Dead for Old People," has garnered millions of views and sparked a flurry of reactions from viewers around the world.

In the video, the woman, who goes by the name Mrs. Zhang, shares her dilemma with her old phone book. Over time, the names in her phone book have become illegible, leading her to question why there are so many crossed-out names. She humorously points out that once people pass away, they are essentially "crossed out" from her life.

Little does Mrs. Zhang know that her tattered phone book is no ordinary address book. It is, in fact, her very own version of the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, a compilation of names and contacts of those who have departed from this world. While it may seem morbid to some, Mrs. Zhang sees it as a way of honoring the memories of those who were once a part of her life.

The video takes an unexpected turn when Mrs. Zhang realizes that her friend, Mr. Jia, is no longer among the living. In a laughable twist, she attempts to call him to confirm his demise, only to be met with silence on the other end of the line. The comment section erupted with laughter as users pointed out the irony of Mr. Jia answering his phone call from beyond the grave.

The video also sparked a discussion among viewers, with references to famous comedians and popular culture. One user referenced the late George Carlin, known for his comedic take on mortality, while another jokingly compared Mrs. Zhang's phone book to the infamous Necronomicon from H.P. Lovecraft's works. The mention of the Death Note, a popular Japanese manga and anime series, added a touch of intrigue to the conversation.

Interestingly, one viewer shared a personal experience of their grandmother using a similar method with her high school yearbook. The commenter revealed that their grandmother would mark different notations next to each classmate's name, ranging from birth and death dates to simple phrases like "passed" or "dead." This led to a lighthearted debate about whether these markings were based on the grandmother's fondness or disdain for her former classmates.

The video also drew attention from fans of horror author Stephen King, who recalled a documentary where he discussed peculiar individuals from his hometown. One such eccentricity was the act of crossing out names of deceased individuals in the local phone book, much like Mrs. Zhang's unique tradition.

As the video continued to spread across social media platforms, viewers couldn't help but inject their own brand of humor into the conversation. References to popular memes, such as the iconic line "Then she takes a potato chips, AND EATS IT!" and the concept of a reverse Death Note, added an extra layer of amusement.

In the end, the video left viewers torn between laughter and contemplation. Some questioned whether they should react with amusement or empathy towards Mrs. Zhang's unconventional method of remembering the departed. Others marveled at the longevity of Mr. Zhang, jokingly predicting that he would live to be 150 years young.

This viral video serves as a reminder that even in the digital age, there are still unique and quirky traditions that continue to capture our attention. Whether you find Mrs. Zhang's Book of the Dead for Old People amusing or thought-provoking, one thing is for certain – it has sparked a conversation that will keep us entertained for days to come.

So, next time you come across an old phone book, take a moment to appreciate the stories and memories it holds. Who knows, you might just stumble upon your very own Book of the Dead.

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View source: Reddit

Top Comments from Reddit

MatjanSieni

The ending caught me off guard lol. Mr. Zhang is going to live a long life

M1Kk3M4na

George Carlin most favorite thing, RIP Legend.

Pickingnamesisharder

The Necronomicon

SandBook

Death Note confirmed!

dolemutt

Good thing Mr Jia answered his phone to tell her he’s dead.

CrimsonKepala

My grandmother did this with her high school yearbook. We found it after she passed away. Sometimes it would have their birth and death dates next to their school photo, sometimes it would say "passed", and for some it was just "dead". I have to wonder if the difference in how she marked their passing was based on how much she liked or disliked them, lol.

fatkiddown

Stephen King talked about someone marking thru the names of dead people in the phone book in his home town in a documentary I watched years ago on his life. He discussed the very peculiar people he grew up around, and this was one of them.

4umlurker

Then she takes a potato chips, AND EATS IT!

Ardibanan

Death note, but reverse

name-was-provided

Cellular life deteriorates over time so it makes sense.

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